Growing Asparagus

Aspargus officianalis : Asparagaceae / the asparagus family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    S                  
        T              

(Best months for growing Asparagus in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • Easy to grow. Plant as crowns. Best planted at soil temperatures between 61°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 8 - 16 inches apart
  • Harvest in 2-3 years. Plant 'crowns' to harvest earlier .
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Parsley, Basil, Nasturtiums, Lettuce
  • Avoid growing close to: Garlic, Onions, and root vegetables

Your comments and tips

26 Nov 15, (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I have 2 year old crowns of asparagus which were planted in late August, my question is how long is the harvest season in the Berkley Vale area. And how do you know when the last spears arrive. As I need them as a fern. I would hate to cut them off. I am new at this I need advise. We have 30 crowns.
08 Nov 15, noni (Australia - temperate climate)
when growing white asparagus, how are the beds watered and when. When finished are the plastic covers removed to allow the plants to recouparate and then re covered when ready to pick once more.
28 Oct 15, (Australia - temperate climate)
I have lots of fern and no asparagus after a couple of years. Is there a chance it's the wrong sex? How do I tell if I will get fruit here in a sub-tropical garden?
15 Jul 16, jane (Australia - temperate climate)
the fern IS the asparagus - you just have to harvest it when it's a small, young shoot, before the fern bit develops. But unless you planted mature crowns, best not to harvest for first 2-3 years; let ferns grow to allow a solid, healthy root system to develop first. NB do NOT eat the red berries (which will only appear on female plants) - they are poisonous. Both male and female produce shoots, but some believe the male plants last a bit longer and produce more. As both last 15-20 years, it's not something I'd worry about.
18 Oct 15, gwyneth (Australia - temperate climate)
my asparagus has been in for 3 years. this year I am getting plenty but they are pencil thin. should I feed them.
24 Oct 15, (Australia - temperate climate)
Yes, add manure to the bed when the weather warms up at the beginning of spring each year.
02 Aug 15, John butler (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can I buy commercial quantity of seed in west Australia please
17 Mar 15, Pauline leister (Australia - temperate climate)
I have to leave my rental place, but my asparagus are still in full, green fern. Can I dig them up to take with me?. I don't want to leave them, nor do I want to kill them by digging them up. I only have a week before leaving. Please help. Thankyou.
26 Jan 15, bruce wheeler (Australia - temperate climate)
I PUT IN SOME ASPARAGUS SEED ABOUT END OF DEC THE FERNS ARE ABOUT 3IN HIGH CAN I PLANT THEM IN THE GARDEN OR SHOULD I LEAVE THEM TILL WINTER
27 Oct 14, Genevieve (Australia - temperate climate)
Bought a punnet of purple asparagus "ferns" from Bunnings garden centre. About dozen ferns in punnet. Would appreciate some tips on how deep to plant and should I cover every few weeks with soil? Intending to grow in a raised bed measuring 90cm x 90cm x 40cm.
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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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